UFC 273 was indeed a fun UFC card, however, there was a fight in particular where I accepted a lot more action – the co-main event between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan.
Why did I expect more of a brawl? That’s because Sterling knew his exact path to victory, and he executed exactly what he needed to do – ground control. Read below for my full UFC recap of the co-main title bout between Aljamain Sterling and Petr Yan.
Aljamain Sterling vs. Petr Yan
UFC Bantamweight Title Bout – Co Main Event
The UFC Odds for this rematch were heavily favored for Yan (Yan -475 Sterling +350). Their first bout was very different; Yan had control until his error. This time around, it was nothing but dominance from the Champion Aljamain Sterling.
Recap
Round 1 – Sterling began with a couple of kicks, followed by Yan cutting the cage; his guard was high and he was good on his feet. The Champ shot for a takedown, but Yan sprawled and defended, giving the crowd a big spark of excitement.
Sterling’s kicks were looking great in this first round. He was making it very hard for Yan to close in the distance and terrorize him with his own striking Yan landing the final punch.
Round 2 – As someone who predicted Yan to win inside the distance, I was a tad happy with that first round. However, it was indeed close in my eyes, so I was expecting something better from Yan in this round.
Again with the sharp body kicks from Sterling and Yan not backing down. We did see more kicks from Yan than usual, so that was something good to see.
Sterling shot for another takedown and Yan stuffed it again. But Sterling wasted no time and shot again, and successfully landed it!
Check Out Our 2022 Sportsbook Rating Guide
They’re on the ground now, Sterling on the back of Yan with a body triangle. Sterling’s back was against the fence and he could not get him off of him. The Champ clung to him like glue. Of course, with a lack of action, the two were losing the crown. But Sterling was still searching for Yan’s chin to finish him while also mixing in some punches to get him to open up. Sterling now hamming down punches from the top!
What is going on, I thought the fight was going to end. But Yan survived and rolled to his back to a better position. Yan survived until the bell.
Round 3 – I was confident in Sterling at this point and I was a tad concerned about Yan at this point, however I didn’t rule out a possible knock out from Yan. He still has some time.
Sterling was looking fresh up to this point while Yan was looking a bit drained from having to defend on the ground for 2 rounds. Of course, Sterling rushed in for a takedown and Yan defended. They get up against the fence, and Sterling hits Yan with a takedown feint. They’re on the ground with Sterling on Yan’s back again!
Sterling had another body triangle and he was fighting for his arm under Yan’s chin; Yan fighting to break Sterling’s grip. The same defense of Yan on the ground with Sterling on top for this round. A very dominant performance from the Champ.
Round 4 – Yeah, Yan’s corner was a bit worried at this point.
Sterling shot for a takedown and it was not a clean one, so Yan was able to piece him up with a good combo and it stumbled Sterling!! This gave Yan the pep he needed. He was applying forward pressure and Sterling was not looking like he was in a good position. So as a way of protection, he aimed for a takedown.
Yan sprawled and got the back of Sterling while he was against the fence. Sterling fights back, they separate, and you can see he’s really fighting back. Sterling caught a kick from Yan and now they are back on the ground; Yan was inside Sterling’s guard, clipping back at one another. Yan landed a clean right punch but Sterling rolled and secured Yan’s back. Yan is in half guard now landing elbows.
Definitely more pressure from Yan in this one.
Join Now: $1,000 BMR 12-Week All Sports Challenge
Final Round
At this point, my scorecards were favoring Sterling so in order for Yan to have won he needed to finish it in this round. Sterling was still looking fresh in this round. Again with the kicking to pressure Yan. He then shot for a double leg but Yan stuffed it. They’re against the fence with Sterling applying pressure.
Yan breaks apart; Sterling taps him with his jab and shoots for another takedown. But this one made it in a clinch. Yan against the fence with Sterling looking for his chance to change levels. Yan realized and broke Sterling off. Sterling shoots for another takedown and a jumping knee from Yan!! Sterling ate that knee and is throwing back what he can. Yan was having a great round. Sterling kept aiming to switch levels and Yan was able to defend and land clean strikes.
Aljamain Sterling defeated Petr Yan by Split Decision.
Closing Remarks and What’s Next?
Honestly, the way Yan fought in the fifth round is what I expected throughout the entire bout. But hey, congrats to the Champion for defending his title for the first time.
Visit Our: MMA and Boxing Betting
Up next in the UFC, we have UFC Vegas 51: Vicente Luque vs. Belal Muhammad on Saturday, April 16th at the UFC Apex.
Here is the main card for UFC Vegas 51 from top to bottom:
